Arima Kazusa's inside-the-park grand slam pushed Seido High School's lead to 24–0.
The next batter, Shirasu Kenjiro, wasn't as lucky. His hit turned into a grounder and he was forced out at first.
Top of the fifth — over.
Now came Nihon Shono High School's final chance.
Having already lost their fighting spirit, their batters could do nothing against Sawamura Eijun's unusual pitching rhythm.
Strikeout.
Strikeout.
Strikeout.
Fweeeet!
The umpire blew the whistle.
Summer Tournament — Third Round, Game Two
Seido High School vs. Nihon Shono High School
Result: 24–0 — Seido Victory
The moment the game ended, Nihon Shono's players broke into tears.
Losing wasn't the worst part.
It was realizing just how wide the gap was between them and a powerhouse… and that their third-years' summer had just ended.
Seeing them cry, even the victorious Seido players fell silent.
Sawamura clenched his fists.
After everything Takigawa Chris Yuu had done for him recently…
If they ever lost, Chris's baseball career would end here too.
"What are you spacing out for? Line up."
A loud smack landed on his backside.
"Ah! What was that for?!"
Kanzaki Ryou grinned.
"Relax. Nobody's interested in your butt."
"Hmph!"
Both teams lined up and shook hands.
After Nihon Shono left, Seido celebrated their victory before heading to the locker room.
Outside the stadium, Kanzaki spotted a blonde woman waiting at the exit.
"Arima — your mom's here."
Arima laughed.
"She's here for you too."
"…For me?"
"You forgot? The euphonium master."
Kanzaki immediately rushed to the front.
"Coach Kataoka Tesshin, Arima's parent came to see him. As his dorm senior, I should accompany him."
Kataoka stared at him for three seconds.
"…Five minutes."
"Thank you, Coach!"
They walked over.
"Sister Kaoru, long time no see," Kanzaki said shamelessly.
Arima Kaoru laughed.
"Long time no see, little brother Kanzaki."
He pushed Arima forward.
"Here — your precious son."
She rubbed Arima's head lovingly before turning back.
"Your game today was wonderful."
"Thank you."
"I never expected Kazusa to hit an inside-the-park home run. His mother was truly surprised."
Arima silently endured the aggressive head-rubbing.
After chatting for a moment, Kaoru looked serious.
"I planned to visit Seido tomorrow, but since we met — I'll tell you now."
Kanzaki straightened.
"The professor I mentioned agreed. One lesson every week."
His eyes widened.
"What's his name?"
"Oto Yoichiro — professor at Tokyo University of the Arts and principal euphonium of the Air Self-Defense Force Central Band."
Kanzaki froze.
He hadn't expected someone at that level.
"Why would someone like that teach my sister?"
Kaoru smiled.
"He loves baseball. When he heard it was your request… he even said he wanted to meet you."
Kanzaki scratched his head, embarrassed.
"…Then I definitely have to visit him."
"He said the timing is up to you — he doesn't want to affect the Summer Tournament."
"That's… incredibly considerate."
After thinking, Kanzaki nodded.
"I'll have my sister attend first. After the tournament, I'll personally visit him."
Kaoru agreed.
After returning to school and finishing the meeting, Kanzaki hurried back to the dorm and called home.
The phone picked up instantly.
"Ni-chan~"
"Were you using your phone in class again?"
"It's Saturday!"
"…Right."
Awkward silence.
"Remember I said I'd find you a euphonium teacher?"
"Of course!"
"I found one. A real master."
He told her the name and weekly lesson plan.
Silence followed.
Then—
"Thank you, big brother!"
She had clearly looked him up already.
Kanzaki laughed.
"I've even prepared your travel expenses to Tokyo."
They chatted for half an hour before hanging up.
Finally, Kanzaki grabbed his basin and clothes and headed for the bathhouse — still smiling.